Good Indoor Air Quality in California Schools Results in Fewer Absences

Garden Grove, CA, June 28, 2013

Earlier this month, Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory released information about a study that looked at the impact that fresh air had on classroom absences. The researchers studied ventilation rates from over 150 classrooms in California over a two year time frame. 

What the study found was that if all classrooms had ventilation rates up to the mandated state standards the reduction in absenteeism caused by illnesses could be approximately 3.4%. “Our overall findings suggest that, if you increased ventilation rates of classrooms up to the state standard, or even above it, you would get net benefits to schools, to families, to everybody, at very low cost,” reported Mark Mendell from Berkeley Lab. “It’s really a win-win situation.”

Inadequate ventilation rates can cause a wide variety of indoor air quality (IAQ) problems ranging from high levels of carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds to concerns over elevated levels of microbial contaminants such as mold and bacteria. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Poor indoor air quality can impact the comfort and health of students and staff, which, in turn, can affect concentration, attendance, and student performance. In addition, if schools fail to respond promptly to poor IAQ, students and staff are at an increased risk of short-term health problems, such as fatigue and nausea, as well as long-term problems like asthma.” 

One California company that has been helping schools test for IAQ issues is LA Testing. “Poor ventilation rates in a classroom can allow chemical and microbial contaminants to become concentrated,” reported Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Garden Grove facility. “LA Testing offers air quality analysis, including free testing supplies, so that school facilities across California can be tested to ensure students are breathing healthy air in their classrooms.”

LA Testing and their parent company, EMSL Analytical have sponsored a video about IAQ and student performance.  It can be seen at:http://youtu.be/8QxdcORr-1MTo learn more about testing for indoor air quality and environmental issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. LA Testing has laboratories throughout California to service commercial clients and government agencies as well as the general public.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

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EMSL Analytical

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